2011 Legislation

The 82nd Texas Legislature ended its regular session May 30, 2011. All probate, guardianship and trust bills passed during the session have been signed by the Governor, and most become effective September 1, 2011. One bill in the first called session (SB 1) contains guardianship changes and, as of July 8, 2011, was awaiting the Governor's signature. Each bill affecting probate, guardianship and trust law is listed below. Click here to search for a particular bill, or use the list of topics and key words to the right to find legislation.

Top Ten Things to Do Now -- Glenn Karisch's list of ten things estate planning and probate attorneys should do to address the legislative changes taking effect September 1, 2011. Here are the pdf and blog versions.

All bills are labeled "Awaiting Governor's Signature," "Enacted," or "Did Not Pass."____________________________________________________________________

Entries in authorization agreements
(1)

Caption: Relating to the requirements for an authorization agreement for a nonparent relative of a child.Author: HarrisBill HistoryBill Text

Relevance: In 2009, the Legislature enacted Chapter 34 of the Family Code, permitting authorization agreements for nonparent relatives. This bill provides that only one authorization agreement may be in effect at any time, and it favors the first-signed agreement over later-signed agreements.

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